Can top having a space for separately storing a small quantity of a substance

ABSTRACT

The present invention pertains to a can top ( 1 ) for crimping onto a can body that, in its top surface ( 12 ), comprises a tongue ( 2 ) for forming a pouring opening along a slit line ( 3 ). This [can top] is characterized in that it has, on its side pointing toward the interior of the can, a separate space ( 8 ) provided for accommodating solid, liquid or gaseous substances, which [space] is formed by at least one flexible, but essentially non-expandable, essentially gas-tight and liquid-tight wall ( 4, 4′, 4″ ) and extends over a portion of the top surface ( 12 ) so that its lateral edge ( 10 ) crosses the slit line ( 3 ) at at least one point (11) in such a manner that, when opening the can, the portion of the tongue ( 2 ) moving toward the interior exerts a force on the wall ( 4 ), by means of which an opening is made for the space ( 8 ). The separate space may be used, e.g., for accommodating food supplements and/or liquid or gaseous aromatics.

[0001] The present invention pertains to a can top, and especially abeverage can top, for crimping onto a corresponding can body. The cantop is designed so that additives can be stored therein separately fromthe remaining can contents, which [additives] reach its interior and arethus possibly in contact with the remaining can contents only whenopening the can.

[0002] For a long time there has been a demand for storing additives forthe contents of cans, e.g., beverage flavoring additives separately fromthe remaining can contents so that they come into contact with theremaining contents only when the can is opened for its specified use.Corresponding internal containers for cans have already been suggested.However, most of these internal containers are only suitable for foamybeverages under gas pressure, since the blending of the separatelystored, flavoring substance is linked with the generation of a suddendifference in pressure that forms between a gas-filled space within theinternal container connected with the rest of the liquid by a very smallopening and the pressure of this liquid. This difference in pressure isused for forcing open the wall of the space in the internal containerthat is used for storing the additive. Examples of this principle areshown in WO 99/54229 or in EP 965 536 A1.

[0003] An internal container has become known from U.S. Pat. No.5,885,635, which, suitably arranged in the can, breaks by means ofcontact with a tongue that descends down when opening the can andreleases a second liquid, which can then be mixed with the beverage inthe can, regardless of the gas pressure in the can. However, thisinternal container must be a rigidly elastic body that is designed suchthat it contains energy stored in the form of tension, in such a mannerthat a slight activation energy only is needed to release this tensionby means of breaking the container. The body should, accordingly, havethe shape of a cylinder or a pea pod with a lengthwise running burstingedge. U.S. Pat. No. 5,885,635 does not explain how such an internalcontainer [sic, typo in original—Tr.Ed.] could be prefabricated, filledwith liquid and then sealed.

[0004] U,S. Pat. No. 5,290,574 discloses the suggestion to arrange agas- and liquid-permeable membrane under the top of beverage cans forfoamy beverages and to fasten this [membrane] all-around in the area ofthe crimped edge. After sealing the can the space between the top andthe membrane is then filled—either by pasteurizing or by placing the canupside down—partly with liquid, which then lies on the membrane whenstanding the can upright, based on the excess pressure prevailing in thecan interior. If the can is opened, first the pressure in thecompartment located between the top and the membrane drops suddenly,which causes gas to shoot out of the gas space between the liquid levelof the beverage and the membrane through its openings into the liquidlocated above the membrane, which leads to a first formation of foam aswell as the formation of seeds for the further formation of gas bubblesafter pouring out. If the tear-open strip is opened further by thedescending tongue, the membrane can then tear, as a result of which anoutlet opening is formed for the beverage. As an alternative, it may beprovided that the membrane covers only a portion of the pouring opening.In this case, it does not need to be torn open or otherwise removed,since both the contents of the compartment formed by the membrane withthe top and the remaining beverage located in the can are able to bepoured next to one another directly through the opening in the can top.Both liquids (the compartment separated by the membrane may additionallycontain a foam stabilizer, e.g., a sugar solution) are then mixed whenpouring out.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to create, using simplemeans, a space within a can, which is provided for the storage of asmall quantity of a substance separately from the remaining contents ofthe can during the storage of the can, whereby this space, when the canis opened, likewise opens without further measures and delivers liquidor solid substances possibly contained therein to the remaining cancontents, regardless of whether or not the can contents are under gaspressure and/or are supposed to foam.

[0006] The object of the present invention is accomplished in that thesaid space is provided in the area of the top of the can and is formedat least partially by a flexible, but essentially non-expandable,gas-tight and liquid-tight wall. This wall does not require any internaltension or any potentially stored kinetic energy here. The space isarranged near the pouring opening, in such a manner that its edgecrosses a slit line provided in the top surface, which, when opening thecan top, is torn open by means of a likewise provided tear-open strip.When the can is opened, the tongue, to which the strip is fastened, ispressed into the interior of the can, as is well known from the state ofthe art. The wall in the edge area of the said space is destroyed; anopening is formed, through which the substance inserted into the spacebeforehand can escape.

[0007] The figures show various embodiments of the present invention:

[0008] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the space is limited toward the caninterior by a foil, toward the top by the top material itself.

[0009]FIG. 1a shows a lateral view of this embodiment with the tear-opentongue pressed inwards, and

[0010]FIG. 1b shows this embodiment schematically viewed from theinterior, whereby the point of intersection of the slit line and theedge area of the space can be seen.

[0011]FIG. 2 shows another embodiment, in which the space is formed bytwo foils that are connected with one another in their edge area, suchthat they form a pocket. The pocket is fastened in the interior of thetop surface.

[0012]FIG. 2a represents a lateral view of this embodiment, likewisewith the tear-open tongue pressed inwards, and

[0013]FIG. 2b shows a top view of this embodiment on the inside of thetop, whereby a notch can be seen in the area of intersection between theslit line and the connected edge area of the pocket.

[0014]FIG. 3 shows a spatial view of a foil partially detached from thetop by the tongue.

[0015] The present invention is especially suitable for beverage cans,e.g., made of metal, since, when the substance stored separatelybeforehand is opened, whether it now be gaseous, solid or liquid, it canreach into the beverage or the atmosphere surrounding the beverage andcan bring about a flavoring or enrichment of the beverage. Thus, a solidin the form of a powder or crystals or a liquid, when opening the can,can come into contact with the remaining beverage contents and possiblybe mixed therewith, e.g., a concentrate, a flavoring, a coloring or thelike. Even a gaseous or highly volatile aroma may be stored in the saidspace. This [aroma] stimulates the sense of smell when consuming the cancontents, especially if one drinks directly out of the can. Besides orinstead of odor-giving or taste-giving substances, the space provided atthe can top may also be used for accommodating food supplements. Thismay be, e.g., the agent of choice, if the stability of these substancesis not guaranteed for the long term in a liquid or if the additive mightenter into conversion reactions with the contents of the beverage. Animportant field in this regard are sports or health beverages, which maybe enriched with pro- or prebiotic substances, as well as with themuscle-building preparation creatine. It is advantageous to mix togethersuch substances only immediately before consuming the beverage.

[0016] The wall, by which the additional substance to be stored isseparated from the remaining contents of the can, should be flexible andat least essentially impermeable to liquids and gases; “essentiallyimpermeable” should mean that a gaseous substance, with which the spacearranged according to the present invention may be filled, also remainseffective for a long time in this space, while the wall must representonly a moderately effective barrier for oxygen, but also possibly isgas-tight against oxygen. The material for this wall may be selected atrandom as long as it is not expandable in such a manner that it givesway to the pulling of the tear-open strip when opening. Examples ofsuitable materials are metal foils, e.g., aluminum foils, plastic filmsor optionally cardboard coated with a material or such paper that repelsthe main content(s) of the can and/or the substance to be storedseparately.

[0017] In a simple embodiment of the present invention, the space forthe storage of the said substance is formed by a foil or anotherflexible material being fastened at the top surface with the formationof a hollow space. The external outline of the foil may be selected atrandom, e.g., round, oval or even polygonal, as long as the edge of thebody or of the foil connected with the top surface crosses the slit lineat at least one point. As an example for this embodiment of the presentinvention, a round or oval aluminum foil may be mentioned, which isarranged centrally in the top surface and fastened at the top surface onits outer edge. In this case, it crosses the slit line at two points.However, it should be clear that it is sufficient if the foil crossesthe slit line at only one point.

[0018] In this embodiment of the present invention, the substance to bestored separately is arranged on the inside of the preshaped top, whichis otherwise preferably ready, and is optionally fixed by means of coldor another measure. The top surface may optionally have a small,circumferential projection in order to hold a drop or the like inposition. Subsequently, the foil is applied and is fastened in a sealingmanner, e.g., glued, heat-sealed or sealed, whereby the space forstoring this substance is sealed. It is only opened when the can—afterfilling and sealing with the top, e.g., by crimping—is opened by pullingon the tear-open strip.

[0019] In another simple embodiment of the present invention, the spacefor accommodating the substance to be stored separately is formed by apocket or another flexible hollow body, which is fastened in the topsurface of the can top. A pocket is obtained if a foil-type material isused. E.g., the foils, which were mentioned above for the simpleembodiment, are suitable as materials.

[0020] The pocket or the other flexible hollow body, finished andcompletely filled, may be fastened at the inside of the top, whereby thefastening can be performed, e.g., by means of gluing with an adhesivepermitted in accordance with food laws or by means of sealing. Toproduce the pocket, e.g., two foils are connected, e.g., glued, sealedor heat-sealed, with one another in their edge area, between which thesubstance to be stored separately is arranged. As an alternative, e.g.,half of a foil may be placed onto the other half and sealingly connectedwith same, e.g., glue or be connected by sealing. The bond preferablyhas a width of about 1 mm (e.g., 0.5 mm) up to a few millimeters (e.g.,5 mm). Preferably the pocket or the hollow body is relatively flat,e.g., has a lens-shaped design. Regarding the remaining geometry, theperson skilled in the art is free in his choice, as long as the lateraledge of the pocket or of the otherwise flexible hollow body crosses theslit line at at least one point. In this embodiment, “crossing” does nothave to inevitably mean that the edge itself is connected with the topat the slit line; it is sufficient if the connection area is arrangedsufficiently close to the slit line and the movability of the materialat this point is sufficiently low that a tear in the foil or the like isforced when opening the tear-open strip.

[0021] If the space for the substance to be stored separately isprovided in the form of a pocket or otherwise hollow space, it ispreferred that a notch, which weakens the wall at this point andfunctions as a desired tear point, is provided in the edge area thatextends over the slit line.

[0022] The present invention shall be explained below in detail based onfigures:

[0023]FIGS. 1a and 1 b show an embodiment of the present invention, inwhich the space 8 provided for the substance to be stored separately isformed by a foil 4, which is fastened with its lateral edge 6 on theinside of the top 1. FIG. 1a shows a lateral view, while FIG. 1b shows atop view of the inside of the top. It can be seen from a combination ofthe two views that, when opening the can, in which the tongue 2 ispressed into the interior of the can, the foil is detached by means ofthe rivet 12 up to the slit line 3 approximately from the point ofintersection 11 between the slit line 3 and its edge 6 up into the areaof a vertical line 13 to the axis of symmetry S. This area of detachment5 is shown shaded in FIG. 1b.

[0024]FIG. 3 shows the result of this detachment process in a spatialview. The top surface is designated by 14 here.

[0025]FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the present invention, in which thespace for the substance to be stored separately is designed as a pocket9. This [pocket] is formed by two foils 4′, 4″, which are connected withone another on their lateral edges in the area 6′. The foil 4′ facingtowards the top surface is connected with same over the greater portionof its underside, but not in the area of the edge 6′. In the example ofthis figure, the pocket is shown as round; however, it could also, e.g.,be formed by means of only an oval or round foil by folding the lefthalf onto the right half. FIG. 2b shows the notch 7, which is arrangedin the area, in which the edge 6′ of the pocket crosses the slit line 3.The notch is less wide than the edge width, such that a narrow bridge tothe outer edge 10 of the interior remains. FIG. 2a shows that thisbridge, when opening the can and when pressing in the tongue 2, is torninwards, so that the contents of the pocket can reach the environment,e.g., the beverage. If the substance is a liquid and/or gaseous aroma,the consumer feels an intensive olfactory experience, since the aroma isreleased directly at the top and thus when drinking directly from thecan near the nose of the consumer.

1. Said can top (1) for crimping onto a can body, which comprises in itssaid top surface (12) a said tongue (2) for forming a said pouringopening along a said slit line (3), characterized in that it has on itsside pointing toward the interior of the can a said separate space (8)for accommodating solid, liquid or gaseous substances, which [space] isformed by at least one said flexible, but essentially non-expandable,essentially gas-tight und liquid-tight wall (4, 4′, 4″) and extends overa portion of the said top surface (12), so that its said lateral edge(10) crosses the said slit line (3) at at least one said point (11) insuch a manner that, when opening the can, the portion of the said tongue(2) moving toward the interior exerts a force on the said wall (4), bymeans of which an opening is made for the said space (8).
 2. Can top inaccordance with claim 1, characterized in that the said wall (4, 4′, 4″)is formed from a plastic film, a metal foil, especially an aluminumfoil, or a liquid-repellent paper or cardboard.
 3. Can top in accordancewith claim 1 or 2, in which the said wall (4) consists of a flexiblefoil that is connected with the said top via its said lateral edge (6).4. Can top in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the foil isglued to the top on its said lateral edge (6) with an adhesive permittedaccording to food laws or is sealed there on the top.
 5. Can top inaccordance with claim 1 or 2, in which the said wall (4) has a said topsurface (4′) and a said bottom surface (4″), which are connectedlaterally (6′) with one another with the formation of a said pocket (9),which is applied to the top.
 6. Can top in accordance with claim 5,characterized in that the said lateral connection (6′) of top surfaceand bottom surface in the area or at least one of the areas, in which itextends over the said slit line (3), is provided with a said notch (7).7. Can top in accordance with claim 5 or 6, characterized in that thesaid lateral connection (6′) in the or at least in one area, in which itextends over the said slit line (3), is formed by a gluing of the saidwall top surface (4′) and the said wall bottom surface (4″).
 8. Can topin accordance with one of the claims 5 through 7, characterized in thatthe said lateral connection (6′) is 1.0 to 3.0 mm wide.
 9. Can top inaccordance with one of the claims 5 through 8, characterized in that thesaid bottom surface (4″) of the wall is glued to the top surface with anadhesive permitted according to food laws or is sealed with a sealingwax.
 10. Can top in accordance with one of the above claims,characterized in that the said separate space (8) contains a solid,liquid or gaseous substance.
 11. Can having a can body and a can top inaccordance with one of the claims 1 through
 10. 12. Can in accordancewith claim 11, characterized in that it is a beverage can and asubstance is present in the interior of the separate space, which isused as a food supplement and/or for taste and/or smell flavoring of thebeverage located in the can.
 13. Said pocket (9) for connecting with theside of a said can top (1) pointing toward the interior of the said can,which comprises in its said top surface (12) a said tear-open tongue(12) for forming a pouring opening along a said slit line (3),characterized in that the said pocket has a wall with a said top surface(4′) and a said bottom surface (4″), which are connected to one anotherlaterally, whereby the said lateral connection (6′) is formed by thesaid bottom surface (4″) and the said top surface (4′) made of amaterial glued or heat-sealed or sealed with one another at least in onearea, which should extend over the said slit line (3) after applying thepocket to the top.
 14. Pocket in accordance with claim 13, characterizedin that the said connection (6′) in the area, which shall extend overthe said slit line (3) after applying the pocket to the top, is providedwith a said notch (7), which is less wide than the said connection (6′).